Kids These Days (Hard Times (EP)) [2010]

This could be the best unsigned, live band I've ever heard. Hailing from Chicago, Kids These Days have been blowing away audiences at smaller venues like Reggie’s, Hideout and Subterranean with their very unique sound. "With three horns, a rapper, a blues-rock trio and a female singer, K.T.D. blends a wide range of influences -- hip-hop, jazz, soul, blues, and classic rock -- into a unique, fresh sound that breaks boundaries while honoring America’s musical heritage."
The members (all trained musicians and all in their teens) consist of Vic Mensa (rapper), Macie Stewart (female lead and background vocals), Liam Cunningham (guitar and male lead vocals), Lane Beckstrom (bass), Greg Landfair (drums), Nico Segal (trumpet), J.P. Floyd (trombone), and Rajiv Halim (saxophone).

Checkout these tracks from this EP:

1. Hard Times (Sorry No Link Available)

2. Darling


3. Summerscent


4. My Days


5. Be (A Night In Tunisia) (Live Version)


6. Walking Down The Line (Sorry No Link Available)

Asher Roth & Nottz (The Rawth (EP)) [2011]

So I know that Asher Roth thinks he is cooler than he actually is and I have no clue who Nottz is, but I can't seem to get this track outta my head. It could be because the beat is catchy, the lyrics ring true, there isn't a lot of good music being made right now, or the video is kinda dope.

2. Gotta Get Up ft. D.A. of Chester French

Theophilus London (Lovers Holiday (EP)) [2011]

Alright so I've been listening to this dude's music for a while now and haven't really liked anything he's done. Maybe its because Mr. London is too adventurous for me, but I do like the production on this track off his most recent EP.

3. Girls Girls $

Man Mantis (Sea Ambulance (EP)) [2011]

Though this post may not be to the average hip-hop listener's liking, I definitely think this Madison, Wisconsin producer deserves some recognition. In Madison he is a major presence in their local music scene and you can see why when you listen to this track off of his 2011 release Sea Ambulance (EP).

1. Sea Ambulance

Eulorhythmics (Extended Play (EP)) [2006]

Members: Adad & Kenny Keys
I saw these guys live at the Abbey Pub years ago and bought this EP after the show. It is certainly worth listening to and these two are from the Chi (represent!)...

3. Blam! (Sorry No Link)

5. Listen


6. L.I.V.E (Sorry No Link)

Chiddy Bang (The Opposite of Adults (EP)) [2010]

Here is a really short mixtape by Chiddy Bang...not sure why it is so short...

1. Opposite of Adults (KIDS)


2. Chiddy Freestyle (aka Pro's Freestyle 1.0)


3. Sooner or Later

Living Legends (The Gathering (EP)) [2008]

2. She Wants Me


7. After Hours (Extended Euromix)

Tanya Morgan (The Bridge (EP)) [2008]

Members: Donwill, Ilyas & Von Pea

2. We Doin' Our...


4. Got 2 Get Done


5. Be You ft. Czelena


9. How Low

Chiddy Bang (Chiddy Bang: The Preview (EP)) [2010]

Do not listen to this album in its entirety. But for those of you who like a dose of Xaphoon's production once in a while I've included links to the better tracks.

1. The Good Life


4. Here We Go (feat. Q-Tip)


5. All Things Go

Von Pea (Peas Gotta Have It (EP)) [2010]

Here is an up and coming producer's solo project. Von produced a good portion of Tanya Morgan's (Brooklynati). I've included links to the best tracks off the album.

3. The Yorker


4. I Know We're Right ft. Keisha Shontelle


5. We Should Be Rocking Ft. Donwill & Aeson Lee Sissing


9. Good Life


10. Open School


12. Ahead of the Class



13. New Pair ft. Josie Stingray


14. Get Violated (Sorry Can't Find A Link)

15. Boombox